Final answer:
To help residents with cognitive impairments sleep better, examine and improve sleep hygiene, manage stress, adjust behaviors related to sleep, avoid sleep medication due to dependency risks, and consider cognitive-behavioral therapy as an effective treatment for insomnia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Residents with cognitive impairments often have difficulty sleeping, and there are several approaches to help them. Examining sleep hygiene is typically the first step in addressing sleep problems. Effective strategies may include stress management techniques, changes in problematic behaviors such as spending too much waking time in bed, and establishing consistent bedtime routines. It is crucial to avoid dependence on over-the-counter or prescribed sleep medications due to the potential for increasing insomnia over time and altering the sleep cycle.
Several studies have emphasized the benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating insomnia, focusing on cognitive processes and problem behaviors. CBT has been demonstrated to be quite effective and is the most effective sleep intervention compared to medication. In addition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with limited use of stimulants and increased physical exercise can also contribute to better sleep habits.